BSc(Med) & MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FCSANZ, FHRS
A/Prof Kumar is an eminently experienced cardiologist and interventional (procedural) electrophysiologist. He is a nationally and internationally recognised clinician-scientist with seminal contributions to the field of electrophysiology and heart disease, with over 290+ peer-reviewed publications in top tier international cardiology journals.
A/Prof Kumar specialises in the management of complex heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation (AF), supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), ventricular tachycardia (VT), premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), as well as cardiac device implantation (pacemakers / defibrillators). He is one of the highest volume specialist for AF in Sydney and the highest volume operations for VT/PVC ablations.
He combines elite training from prestigious global institutions – including Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the University of Melbourne – with his extensive clinical and academic background. A/Prof Kumar often enjoys first-in-the-world access to the latest cardiac mapping, catheter ablation and cardiac implanted device technologies, allowing him to deliver world-class, personalised care to his patients.
A/Prof Kumar holds numerous clinical, academic and directorship appointments:
A/Prof Kumar is a leading clinician-scientist in electrophysiology with seminal contributions to the field of AF, VT and genetic heart disease research. He has:
My journey into cardiology was deeply personal. I was inspired by the sudden cardiac death of my grandfather, an event that left a lasting impression and sparked a lifelong dedication to preventing similar tragedies in others. As I progressed through medical training, I was drawn to the precision and complexity of the heart’s electrical system. This fascination evolved into a deep passion for cardiac electrophysiology – the study and treatment of heart rhythm disorders.
What captivated me most was the elegant flow of electrical currents within the heart, maintaining a delicate balance that sustains life. When that balance is disrupted, the consequences can be profound – but the solutions, when applied with expertise, can be life-changing.
Today, I find immense fulfilment not just in performing advanced procedures like catheter ablation and pacemaker / defibrillator implantation, but also in the trusted relationships I build with patients and their families. Helping individuals recover from serious arrhythmias and return to full, active lives is a privilege I never take for granted.
My favourite procedure is catheter ablation for complex heart rhythm disorders, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT). These conditions often cause years – or even decades – of debilitating symptoms, impacting patients’ quality of life, confidence, and wellbeing. Many of my patients have not had access to experts in catheter ablation and have suffered with their arrhythmias for decades.
To be able to pinpoint and eliminate the source of an arrhythmia in a single procedure, and watch someone reclaim their health within hours, is profoundly rewarding. The moment a patient says, “I finally feel normal again,” is why I do what I do. Restoring someone’s life – and in some cases, preventing sudden cardiac death – is a privilege I never take for granted.
I’ve been fortunate to learn from some of the world’s leading electrophysiologists, each of whom shaped my career and clinical philosophy:
It was the evening before Good Friday. A young father recovering from a recent heart attack suddenly entered electrical storm – a catastrophic state with 30 cardiac arrests due to ventricular tachycardia (VT) in one night, each requiring CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and external shocks. Without urgent catheter ablation, death was inevitable.
Despite the long weekend, a dedicated team of over 20 volunteers – including three anaesthetists, intensive care unit staff, nurses, technicians, and cardiologists – rallied within the hour. We placed the patient on a heart-lung machine and performed emergency VT ablation through the night.
By 6am, he was alive.
A few days later, he walked out of hospital to return to his children and family. That memory is a powerful reminder of:
That same morning was also my wife’s birthday. Watching the sunrise with her over coffee after made my day extra special.
When I’m not in the lab or clinic, I love:
Awards
Leadership roles
In the Media and On the Web:
Link to A/Prof Kumar’s academic profile, University of Sydney:
Top 5 Impact Publications
1. Kumar S, et al. Long-Term Arrhythmic and Nonarrhythmic Outcomes of Lamin A/C Mutation Carriers. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2016. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27884249/. This seminal paper, was one of the first to describe the natural history of lamin cardiomyopathy, a genetic heart disease. It is cited over 300+ times by other researchers, and incorporated in international heart rhythm guidelines.
2. Kumar S, et al.. Ventricular tachycardia in cardiac sarcoidosis: characterization of ventricular substrate and outcomes of catheter ablation. Circulation Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology. 2015. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25527825/. This seminal paper, was one of the first to describe the cardiac mapping features and catheter ablation outcomes for sarcoid heart disease. It is cited over 200+ times by other researchers, and incorporated in international heart rhythm guidelines.
3. Turnbull S, Kumar S et al. Utility of a Handheld, Single-Lead ECG Device for Diagnosis of Cardiac Arrhythmias. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2023. This pioneering randomised trial paved the way for the use of wearables and commercial handheld devices in diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders.
4. John RM, Kumar S. Sinus Node and Atrial Arrhythmias. Circulation. 2016. A seminal review article on how sinus node dysfunction leads to atrial fibrillation, and management strategies for both conditions. Cited over 200+ cites by other researchers.
5. Kumar S, et al. Long-term outcomes after catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia in patients with and without structural heart disease. Heart Rhythm. 2016. This seminal paper describes the outcomes of ventricular tachycardia ablation in various disease substrates, and is cited over 150+ times by other researchers.
Research Highlights
Specific Research Interests
A/Prof Saurabh Kumar is internationally recognised not only for his clinical expertise, but also for his pioneering research in the field of cardiac electrophysiology. His work spans the full spectrum of translational research – from basic science and genetic discovery to advanced clinical trials and technological innovation – helping shape the future of arrhythmia care in Australia and worldwide.
Key Areas of Research Focus
1. Understanding the Mechanisms Behind Heart Rhythm Disorders
2. Genetic Heart Disease and Inherited Arrhythmia Syndromes
3. Optimising Treatment: Drugs vs Catheter Ablation
4. Innovation in Early Detection of Heart Disease
5. Artificial Intelligence in Electrophysiology
6. Next-Generation Approaches to Catheter Ablation
Current Research Grants
Prior Grants
Specific Research Interests
A/Prof Saurabh Kumar is internationally recognised not only for his clinical expertise, but also for his pioneering research in the field of cardiac electrophysiology. His work spans the full spectrum of translational research – from basic science and genetic discovery to advanced clinical trials and technological innovation – helping shape the future of arrhythmia care in Australia and worldwide.
PUBLICATIONS – Refereed Journal Articles
PUBLICATIONS – Reviews
PUBLICATIONS – Book Chapters
PUBLICATIONS – Letters, Editorials and Case Reports
COMMISSIONED REVIEWS
A/Prof Kumar welcomes both public and private patients. As a General Cardiologist, and sub-specialist in Electrophysiology, he sees a wide range of patients – from general cardiology patients with minor issues, all the way to more complex presentations such as hearth rhythm disorders and those needing interventional (procedural) cardiology.
Whether you’re seeking answers to an irregular heart rhythm, needing reassurance or ongoing care, a general cardiology assessment can provide the clarity you need. Early detection and tailored treatment can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other complications.
Book a consultation with A/Prof Saurabh Kumar to begin your personalised path to better heart health today.